What should the Patriots expect on Monday night?

Tuesday

Nov 30, 2010 at 1:27 PMNov 30, 2010 at 1:34 PM

By Rich Garven TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

I took some time today to chat with readers about the Patriots and what to expect against the Jets on Monday night. We talked about what players will make the difference, the relationship between the coaching staffs and just what kind of tree Tom Brady will have at his house this Christmas.

Rich Garven: It's time to talk Patriots, Jets and more Patriots.

Q: Sounds like this game will be worth all the hype, right? What do you expect the Pats to do differently than last time?

Rich Garven: Score points. They obviously had some major issues in the first meeting in Week 2 while being held to 14 points. The offense has grown and changed since then with the addition of Mankins, Branch and Woodhead, the emergence of Green-Ellis and the return to health of Welker. This is a balanced unit and, despite the Jets having a tremendous defense, I expect the Patriots to put up some points this time.

Q: A loss pretty much kills the Pats' chances of the AFC title, right?

Rich Garven: I assume you meant winning the AFC East title. And, yes, losing would likely knock them out of any chance of doing so. Because the Jets would own the tiebreakers, the Patriots would have to finish a game ahead of them to win the division. That would mean the Jets would have to go 2-2 and the Patriots 4-0 the rest of the way. It's not impossible for that to happen, but it does improbable.

Q: Rich, what's your opinion on Rex Ryan? Seems like he's been a hated guy around here ever since the "kiss the rings" comment a few years back.

Rich Garven: I know Rex isn't popular with Patriot fans because he's always talking. What really drives them crazy is his team backs him up. I think he's good for football, just the way his dad, Buddy Ryan, was. Of course, these types of coaches don't usually have much longevity because it all collapses when the winning stops, so take comfort Patriot fans.

Q: Rich, you've been around awhile - favorite Pats/Jets memory?

Rich Garven: Any handshake involving Belichick and Mangini.

Q: Seems like McDaniel never forgot what he learned in New England. Do you see any more fallout from that taping episode or has it blown over?

Rich Garven: It is what it is at this point. I really feel bad for McDaniels because I think he's a terrific coach and a tremendous person who was obviously raised right. His mistake here, if you believe everything he's said, is that he failed to report the transgression to the league. That's something you see a lot in sports, recent examples taking place at UConn and Tennessee in men's basketball.

Q: Has McCourty locked up the Defensive ROY or what?

Rich Garven: He's certainly inserted himself into the conversation, but I think Suh from Detroit is still the front runner. As for McCourty, he's exceeded the fans' expectations, which, if I remember correctly, we're pretty low the night he got drafted. Tip of the hat to myself here, but I had the Patriots taking McCourty in the second round in my mock draft.

Q: I don't think Mark Sanchez is a very good quarterback. I think he's average at best. Agree, disagree?

Rich Garven: Disagree. I think we all forget that not only is Sanchez in his second season in the NFL, he's also young, having left USC early. Considering the situation he's been thrust into and the pressure placed on him, I think he's done an excellent job. That said, his play is definitely uneven and could ultimately lead to the Jets' demise Monday night.

Q: The Great Hooded One had lots of nice things to say about Rex Ryan. Were they sincere or was he just playing games again?

Rich Garven: It's tough to tell sometimes with Belichick because he praises every opponent like they were the '67 Packers, but I do think Belichick has an appreciation for Ryan's ability to coach football (although I doubt he's into the blustery style). He had Rex's brother, Rob, on his staff at one point so there's a connection to the family there. About the only time you really know BB doesn't like someone is when he doesn't mean him by name. Hello, Mr. Mangini.

Q: Do you think Tom and Gisele will go with a real or fake Christmas tree this year? My bet is on a balsam fir.

Rich Garven: Good question. They're big on saving the Earth, etc., so the fake one would preserve a real tree. But they're also big on the finer things in life, and nothing is better than a real tree at Christmas. So in the end, yeah, maybe a gia-normous balsam fir.

Q: Does Danny Woodhead have any insight to the Jets' game plan or is he too far removed?

Rich Garven: When Woodhead was originally signed prior to the Patriots playing the Jets in Week 2, the general thinking was he was brought in to be milked of information and once the game was over, his time in Foxboro would be up. Well, the Pats lost anyway despite his insight and now the Jets have to be concerned with trying to stop their former employee from running wild against them. I do think he can help some with providing tips and intel, but not enough to make a difference. Rich, I think Tom Brady is having his finest season, minus the girl-like hair, of course?

Q: Rich, I think Tom Brady is having his finest season, minus the girl-like hair, of course?

Rich Garven: Totally agree with you. I think he's right in the mix for MVP along with Rivers in San Diego and a new addition to the group, Ryan in Atlanta. To me, Vick and Peyton Manning have fallen by the wayside.

Q: How are the Pats so good with a 31st ranked defense?

Rich Garven: That is one of the great mysteries of the season. Giving up yards isn't ideal, but you can get by as long as you're decent on third down and in the red zone. But the Patriots are just as bad when it comes to that situational fooball, one of Belichick's strong suits. They are generating turnovers as of late, which has obviously been helpful. You just wonder whether it's going to come back and bite them in the you-know-what the most inopportune of times.

Question from “Fred Taylor”: Any update on my progress?

Rich Garven: Well, Fred. You obviously were active for the last game, against Detroit, but didn't play. And Coach Belichick said Monday you could have played, but didn't because the team was able to get by without you, thus giving you another week to heel. Look for your return to come Monday against the Jets, which is the team you suffered Turf Toe No. 1 against.

Q: How has Mankins impacted the line? Why didn't they sign him sooner? Any chance of him coming back next year or should we kiss him goodbye?

Rich Garven: The Patriots are 3-1 since his return and playing their best offensive football of the season, so I would give Mankins some credit there. The Patriots had their heels dug in on Mankins, so it was his decision when to come back. He could have come back two weeks later than he did and still got full credit for the season, so he actually showed earlier than most anticipated. As for kissing him goodbye, I think as soon as Mankins is an unrestriced free agent he's out of here. Mankins is a man of his word and he believes the Patriots reneged on their word.

Q: What is Branch's status for next year?

Rich Garven: Branch is signed through next season for something around $2.2M after taking a paycut to come to New England. He stated last month he want's to finish his career as a Patriot and I'm guessing that's what happens because money doesn't look like it's an issue here.

cQuestion from “Santa Claus”: Will the Pats play conservative against the Jets or will they blitz Sanchez and make him beat them?

Rich Garven: Santa, Glad to see you're checking in! I can't imagine the Patriots blitzing too much and leaving their corners exposed. I think the defense is just going to play it safe and try to keep the receivers in front of them and from making big plays, which is how the Jets have been pulling games out of their you-know-what for the last month.